• District Goals Report The School Committee heard an update about the progress of the 2009-10 district goals at their last meting of the school year. Please click on 2009-10 Goals Update to view the report and learn more about the work of our teachers, administrators, students, parents, and community members as we collaborate to support the Needham Schools. The Needham School Committee was also recently featured on a Needham Schools Spotlight cable program discussing the goals and the work they have accomplished this past year. Check out The Needham Channel Program Schedule for broadcast times and information.

• Science Grant We were thrilled to learn that the Science Center was awarded a $69,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency for the next two years. Not only will this provide additional resources to enrich science education, particularly environmental education, this grant and others we are working on will help our budget in these challenging times.

• Student Learning and Graduation Congratulations to all of our students who showcased their efforts in the schools' art shows and performed so well in various concerts and music performances over the last several weeks. Additionally, throughout the district, teachers and staff have been working closely with students to prepare for exams, final class presentations, and exhibitions of student work. Recently, for example, a few Newman students (assisted by Joyce Silberman and Martha Wells) shared their science projects with the School Committee. The students, like all of the students I have been observing in classrooms, were earnest, articulate, and poised. Equally poised (and smiling broadly!) were the 365 members of the Needham High School Class of 2010 who received their diplomas on Memorial Field last week. Congratulations to the graduates and their families. School Committee Chair Connie Barr's graduation remarks may be found on the district's website: Dr. Barr's Graduation Speech

Also, to view a Needham Schools Spotlight show featuring several NHS seniors who share their perspectives on their Needham experience, click on this link: Needham Schools Spotlight: Senior Perspectives

• Congratulations Retiring Staff! As our retiring teachers and staff conclude over 350 combined years of service to Needham's students, we wish them the blessings of good health and happiness in the years ahead: Linda Conneely, Marion Daley, Emilie Green, Pat Schuchard, Frances Fleming, Irene Guiney, Leo Hogan, Susan Duncan, Jim Modena, Jeanne Goodwin, Margie Modena, Maureen Graham, Gloria Krueger, Eva Horowitz, Gayle Pinshaw, Valerie Flynn

Finally, please know that I continue to be so impressed with Needham's young people and the work they have accomplished. Of course, we recognize that parents are their first and most important teachers, and we appreciate all you do to support our efforts in the classroom and schoolhouse. As I visit the schools, I observe enthusiastic and confident students who are eager to share their knowledge and help one another. It is clear that they embody the district's values of Scholarship, Citizenship, Community, and Personal Growth inside and outside of the classroom.